Policy Updates – April 2023

Policy Updates – April 2023

• April 26th, 2023
• in Policy Update

Posting Date	Department	Contact	Name	Effective Date	Summary
3/27/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Gene Holcomb	Fire Extinguisher Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy:  The purpose of this policy is to ensure that The University of Alabama (University) complies with the International Fire Code (IFC) as well as state and local ordinances, designate roles and responsibilities, and provide information and guidance on the use of portable fire extinguishers.
3/30/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Gene Holcomb	Fire Watch Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the University of Alabama (“University”) is in compliance with the International Fire Code (IFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, and state and local ordinances. This policy is specifically intended to address situations in which fire protection and/or alarms are out of service due to damage or maintenance, or when work involving electric or gas welding, cutting, brazing, or similar flame or spark-producing operations (collectively, “Hot Work”) is being performed.  During such occurrences a Fire Watch may be required.  A Fire Watch is a temporary measure intended to ensure continuous and systematic surveillance of a building by one or more qualified individuals for the purposes of identifying and controlling fire hazards, detecting early signs of smoke or fire, raising an alarm of fire, and notifying the fire department.
3/30/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Gene Holcomb	Hot Work Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the University of Alabama (“University”) is in compliance with the International Fire Code (IFC) and local ordinances.  This policy is specifically intended for situations that involve burning, welding, cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding, using fire- or spark-producing tools, installation of torch-applied roof systems, or other work that produces a source of ignition (collectively, “Hot Work”). A Hot Work permit is required for such work to be performed. A Fire Watch may also be required. Both permits can be obtained through the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website and must be approved by EHS prior to beginning the work.
3/27/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Juliette Commodore-Botoklo, PhD	Laboratory Decommissioning Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy: The purpose of this policy is to ensure safe and compliant transitions in laboratory occupancy at The University of Alabama (UA) based on the recommendations of ANSI/ASSE Z9.11-2016 or most recent edition.
3/27/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Juliette Commodore-Botoklo, PhD	Maintenance and Decommissioning Policy for Laboratory Ventilation Equipment	3/27/2023	New Policy: The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for maintenance and decommissioning of laboratory ventilation equipment, including, but not limited to: chemical fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, clean benches, laminar air flow equipment, glove boxes, snorkels, and canopy hoods.  This policy governs the change in service status whether it is a temporary or a permanent adjustment.  Compliance with the policy is necessary to: 1) ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff while engaging in teaching and research operations within the University of Alabama (“UA”) laboratories, 2) ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations, and 3) reduce energy usage associated with laboratory ventilation equipment.
3/27/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	Gene Holcomb	Open Lights and Flames Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy: The purpose of this policy is to ensure that The University of Alabama (University) is in compliance with the International Fire Code (IFC), state and local ordinances.
3/27/2023	Environmental Health and Safety	BJ Diltz	Personal Protective Equipment Policy	3/27/2023	New Policy: This policy is intended to prevent harm to faculty, staff, students, contractors, and guests involved in activities that may result in illness/injury if proper precautions are not taken. This policy outlines the minimum requirements for all members and guests of the University of Alabama (“University”). Individual departments or divisions may have additional or more stringent guidelines.
3/27/2023	Compliance, Ethics, and Regulatory Affairs	Marcy Huey	Youth Protection Policy for UA Sponsored Programs	9/1/2017	Revised Policy: Edits made to correct typos and better reflect the program.